Small, non-farm businesses in 31 Texas counties may apply for lowinterest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

These disaster loans offset economic losses caused by adverse weather conditions in four primary counties: Howard, Fayette, Lampasas and Parker.

Neighboring counties to Lampasas, Fayette and Parker may apply for working capital loans to offset economic losses that are attributable to the impact of drought from May 1, 2008 and continuing. This applies to Austin, Bastrop, Bell, Burnet, Caldwell, Colorado, Coryell, Gonzales, Hamilton, Hood, Jack, Johnson, Lavaca, Lee, Mills, Palo Pinto, San Saba, Tarrant, Washington and Wise counties.

Counties of Howard, Borden, Dawson, Glasscock, Martin, Mitchell, Scurry and Sterling are eligible for loans due to the impact of drought, excessive heat, fire and high winds sustained from Jan. 1, 2008 and continuing.

"Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage," said Alfred E. Judd, director of SBA's Disaster Field Operations Center-West.

"These loans have an interest rate of 4 percent, a maximum term of 30 years and are restricted to small businesses without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship," he said.

Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about assistance.

Information and application forms are available by calling (800) 659-2955, e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.gov/services/ disasterassistance.